I'm at a loss - Milkshake Oil

[djpoling214]

I recently bought a 1977 Regal Cuddy Cabin (for under a grand) and its a beautiful boat for its age.

The engine has less than 20 hours on it and the it has a new Alpha 1 outdrive - I was told it was a fresh water block? Does that make sense?

Anyway, long story short, I purchased the boat brought it home and noticed the oil looked like a milk shake, the oil level was also 2-3 inches above the full line - obviously there is water in there.

The engine starts up right away, there is no smoke coming from the engine and there is no tapping. I used a pump to syphon the milky oil out - I didn't drop the oil pan, so I'm positive there is still some milky oil in there, even if it is just on the walls or where ever it could be. I replaced the oil and put a new filter on it and let it run for about 20 minutes. The engine was ran the same, started right away, no smoke, no tapping. I checked the oil and noticed it was still milky. I assume it's because there was still milky oil left in there.

I did a compression test on each of the spark plugs and the reading on each one was between 120 and 130. Tomorrow I plan on draining the oil out again and putting new oil and a new filter in and letting it run for about 20 minutes to see if the oil clears up at all.

I've talked to a few people regarding this issue, and I was told if the block was cracked, there would be tapping, some smoking and the engine could have trouble turning over. I was also told that the head gasket is probably fine due to the 120-130 compression range. So now I'm thinking it could be the exhaust manifold and riser. When I have the boat running, the riser remains cold, which I'm told is a good sign.

I'm thinking either the exhaust manifold has to be replaced or that the engine was submerged in water - in which case I was told to keep changing the oil and letting it run until the milky oil goes away.

I took the original milky oil that was in the boat to a shop and they tested it and determined that there was water and gasoline in the oil - which is probably why the oil smelled of gasoline.

Anyway, I'm at a loss. I really want to get this boat out on the water and do some fishing but I'm afraid to chance destroying the motor... And I'm certainly not paying a shop $125/hour to look over the boat to find the problem. From what I've said, what do you think the problem could be? Do you think I can take this boat out and do some fishing after a few more oil changes or should I have someone look over it and chance spending a lot of money just to hear it's not worth fixing, or it's going to cost thousands to fix...

I need help!

Thanks in advance.

 

[mkast]

Re: I'm at a loss - Milkshake Oil

I replaced the oil and put a new filter on it and let it run for about 20 minutes.

Check the oil level on the dip stick again.
If the level is above full, water is still entering the block.
If oil level is at the full mark, run the engine at operating temperature to evaporate the water in the oil.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: I'm at a loss - Milkshake Oil

Check the oil level on the dip stick again.
If the level is above full, water is still entering the block.
If oil level is at the full mark, run the engine at operating temperature to evaporate the water in the oil.

A couple of things could have happened:
1. Water intrusion into engine from sitting by:
A. High water level (VERY HIGH) in engine compartment.
B. Water entering thru air cleaner if boat was outside, uncovered and engine exposed, allowing water to enter thru air cleaner.
C. Boat sank and PO didn't tell you about the event. (see item A.)

Or:

2. If a head cracked up in the rocker arm area or the water jacket on the intake manifold cracked into the lifter galley (have seen these a couple of times from customer's engines freezing), then water will deffinately get in the oil and there will be no other signs of problems, except the water / oil mix. The damaged engine will run like it has nothing wrong with it until is self destructs due to lubrication failure (lubricating with water instead of oil) or hydro-locks. I would pull the valve covers and take a look. If you don't see anything right off the bat, start her up (with fresh oil and water applied to muffs) and watch the rocker area of both heads. OR, disconnect from exhaust manifold(s) and riser(s), all hoses from the engine and plug the hoses. Pressurize the cooling system and see if you can see any leaking. You also may be able to look into the lifter galley with a flashlight thru the holes in the heads for water flow from manifold. If you pressurize with water, it'll be pretty obvious right away. If you pressurize with air, you'll be able to hear it right away. If it's a decent sized crack, she won't hold any pressure at all.

Don't think it's the block, or even the maifolds, from the way you described it.
Hope this helps some

 

[dubs283]

Re: I'm at a loss - Milkshake Oil

I recently bought a 1977 Regal Cuddy Cabin (for under a grand) and its a beautiful boat for its age.

The engine has less than 20 hours on it and the it has a new Alpha 1 outdrive

the boat was less than $1000 - red flag, the two most valuable parts of the boat are essentially brand new (worth $3000 minimum) and you got it for a song

I really want to get this boat out on the water and do some fishing but I'm afraid to chance destroying the motor...

chances are you aren't going to destroy anything, the motor is already shot

and if the engine isn't hydrolocking (unable to turn over) and there is that much water in the oil, 99.9% chance the block is cracked - NOT the heads/manifolds

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: I'm at a loss - Milkshake Oil

the boat was less than $1000 - red flag, the two most valuable parts of the boat are essentially brand new (worth $3000 minimum) and you got it for a song



chances are you aren't going to destroy anything, the motor is already shot

and if the engine isn't hydrolocking (unable to turn over) and there is that much water in the oil, 99.9% chance the block is cracked - NOT the heads/manifolds

You saying he shouldn't "check it out"? I would certainly pressure test cooling system and see if it holds pressure, before going any further and possibly eliminate a whole gaggle of potential "what if's". Again, I've actually seen it happen (more than once) and it's not beyond the realm of feasability.

 

[justright1998]

Re: I'm at a loss - Milkshake Oil

I recently had the same problem. Saltwater on a plug .....engine was "tapping" in that area because it wasn't firing and the exaust smelled of raw gas along with a "milk shake". Turned out to be two problems. 1. I had a valve that was not completely closing thus allowing saltwater to be drawn back into the cylinder through the manifold. 2. I also had a oll cooler which had gone "bad". I am not sure if you have an oil cooler, but before you start thinking "head gasket" and start ripping your engine completely apart...............check your valves and rockers IMO anyway. "MARINE" mechanic had mine diagnosed and fixed (had a oil cooler on hand) within 2 hours. As far as a"fresh water block, If you have a heat exchanger it is freshwater cooled. I know mine is but the manifolds, risers,oil coolers and transmission coolers are saltwater cooled. .......Good luck

 

[Bondo]

Re: I'm at a loss - Milkshake Oil

I've talked to a few people regarding this issue, and I was told if the block was cracked, there would be tapping, some smoking and the engine could have trouble turning over.

Ayuh,... Those folks don't know what they're takin' about...

Cracked blocks can run Perfectly, yet fill the base with water....

Air pressure test the coolin' passages....

 

[Don S]

Re: I'm at a loss - Milkshake Oil

Freeze cracked blocks seldom run bad, until the crankcase fills with the milkshake of the oil/water mixture, then the milkshake starts coming out of the breather fittings from the valve covers.
Oh, and compression will still be perfect and no water in the cylinders. But the engine block is JUNK.

 

[dubs283]

Re: I'm at a loss - Milkshake Oil

You saying he shouldn't "check it out"?

never said that

just gave the op my opinion based on thier experience/info posted and what i have seen many times while working with marine engines

 

[dingdongs]

Re: I'm at a loss - Milkshake Oil

alarm bells should be ringing and if you have any mechanical skills the head should be pulled and pressure checked and if thats not the failure or the head gasket the block will be shot.take photos and post for evaluating.

 

[djpoling214]

Re: I'm at a loss - Milkshake Oil

Thanks for all of the replies.

Well I drained the oil again, put new oil in and now it's completely fine.

I took the boat out (a week ago) and it ran great. I noticed the oil level got a little high after driving it around, but it doesn't look milky. I checked the oil today (a week later) the oil is still high but it is NOT milky - im assuming I added too much oil. I'm going to syphon some of the oil out and I think I'll be good to go!

 

[bnicov]

Re: I'm at a loss - Milkshake Oil

Lucky You!!! Keep a close eye on that oil, if it goes milky again, you've got problems. If not, drive her like you stole her!! (you pretty much did).